The final race of the NASCAR season at Phoenix Raceway was an emotional rollercoaster for Denny Hamlin, as he closed a monumental chapter with longtime sponsor FedEx. After 19 years of racing with the FedEx brand emblazoned on his No. 11 car, Hamlin faced the bittersweet end of one of NASCAR’s most iconic partnerships. Though he finished 11th in the race, missing the chance to make a memorable exit, his heartfelt words showed just how much FedEx’s support has meant throughout his career.
“It’s been an incredible relationship, and… 19 years are over. They’ve been a part of my racing career, my entire Cup Series journey,” Hamlin said, reflecting on the legacy he and FedEx created together. Hamlin was visibly moved, paying tribute to the Tennessee-based company that supported him from his early racing days to the heights of NASCAR.
Hamlin’s Final Stand with FedEx Falls Short on Track but Not in Heart
Hamlin had hoped for a stronger performance to mark his farewell with FedEx but was hindered by a tough qualifying session that left him starting outside the top 10. Despite an unremarkable finish, his gratitude shone through as he bid goodbye to FedEx with grace, focusing on the loyalty and unwavering support they’ve given him over nearly two decades. The partnership may be ending, but Hamlin’s respect and appreciation for FedEx remain rock solid.
Looking Ahead: JGR’s Sponsorship Search and Financial Future
Hamlin finished the season eighth in the overall standings, securing valuable prize money for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR). However, in NASCAR’s high-spending world, prize money alone won’t sustain the team for long. As the organization gears up for the 2024 season, finding a replacement sponsor for Hamlin’s No. 11 car is essential.
Hamlin provided some insights into the sponsor search, mentioning that JGR is in discussions with several potential partners. “It’s a work in progress. The Gibbs team has been working hard, and we’ve got some promising talks going on,” he said, expressing optimism about the team’s future.
A Tough Year for Hamlin, On and Off the Track
While his on-track performance kept him in title contention for much of the season, Hamlin’s championship hopes came to an abrupt halt at Martinsville. Despite qualifying for the playoffs, his campaign ended without the title, marking yet another year of unfulfilled championship dreams. Off the track, his role as co-owner of 23XI Racing has brought its own challenges, as the team recently faced a legal setback, losing a preliminary injunction in court.
As Hamlin heads into the offseason, he’s faced with balancing his responsibilities as a driver and team co-owner. But even with his share of ups and downs, Hamlin’s career with FedEx will be remembered as one of NASCAR’s longest and most influential sponsorships. Now, as he prepares to enter a new chapter, the NASCAR world waits to see what’s next for Hamlin and the No. 11 car.
